Buzz
A newly discovered centipede has broken records for subterranean life and boasts a name inspired by the underworld.
An international research team recently identified this new species in three caves in central Croatia. One individual was found an astonishing 3,600 feet below the surface, marking the deepest recorded sighting of a living centipede.
The scientists named the creature Geophilus hadesi, a nod to Hades, the god of the underworld. This name also references its relative, Geophilus persephones, discovered 16 years prior and named after Persephone, Hades' queen. Unlike Persephone, who ventured above ground, these centipedes remain forever bound to their dark, cavernous homes.
The Geophilus genus is part of the extensive geophilomorphs subgroup, a family of centipedes present on every continent except Antarctica. With over a thousand species identified by zoologists, all are perfectly suited for life underground, including their lack of sight. However, only G. hadesi and G. persephones spend their entire existence confined to caves.
Like nearly all centipedes, G. hadesi is a predator. This inch-long hunter uses venomous glands to capture and consume small prey such as springtails, worms, woodlice, and spiders, as reported by LiveScience. Adapted to its extreme environment, it boasts unique features like elongated antennae for navigating dark caves and extended body segments with leg claws for enhanced mobility.
Lead researcher Pavel Stoev emphasizes the significance of this discovery, stating, "This finding serves as a powerful reminder of how little we understand about cave ecosystems. Even in the most explored regions, astonishing creatures like this continue to emerge."
